According to Bill Center of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the San Diego Padres and general manager Jed Hoyer have between $5-8 million to spend on free agents before Spring Training.

“There are going to be some bargains out there as spring training approaches,” says Hoyer. “There will be players, although you might not be able to be selective.

The Padres may be shopping for outfield help such as Reed Johnson, Scott Podsednik and Rick Ankiel.  They also will need a veteran mentor to coach catcher Nick Hundley.  Somebody like Brad Ausmus would be a good fit.

It was rumored earlier this Winter that Padres wanted to trade third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, however that may be difficult since most teams have filled their third base needs.  Two teams undecided with that position include the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.